Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick is confident that Bronny James can reach his full potential in the NBA—but first, he believes the young guard must overcome one critical mental obstacle: the willingness to fail.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Redick emphasized that James has all the tools to succeed at the professional level, but still needs to embrace the learning process that comes with making mistakes. For Bronny, that’s a particularly tall order, given that he’s lived much of his life under the intense glare of a global spotlight as the eldest son of LeBron James.
“He’s got to get to the point where it’s okay to fail,” Redick said, according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “I think he has a real reservation to fail. A lot of that comes from having a camera on him since he was eight years old and constant attention. I’m aware of that, and I think once he develops the mindset that failure is part of the journey, he’s really going to take off.”
Redick, who spent more than a decade in the NBA as a sharpshooting guard, understands firsthand the pressure young players face.
He has seen many prospects struggle with the mental side of the game before finding their groove. According to Redick, the mental aspect is every bit as important as improving one’s jump shot, footwork, or defensive positioning.
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Bronny, who is just 20 years old, has already demonstrated he’s willing to do what it takes to improve. Redick praised the rookie’s approach, noting that he’s done “everything we’ve asked.” The coach explained that a player’s growth isn’t limited to skill development—maturity, mental resilience, and the acceptance that growth comes through trial and error are essential components of reaching the next level.
Selected 55th overall in the draft, Bronny’s first year as a pro has been a whirlwind. After joining the Lakers, he made headlines by stepping onto the court alongside his father, making them the first father-son duo to play together in the NBA.
The young guard netted his first career basket in Cleveland—a fitting moment given the significance of his father’s legendary run with the Cavaliers.
Though his minutes and role at the NBA level remain limited—he’s played just 18 minutes across six games—Bronny’s steady progress in the G League is a sign of things to come. The 6-foot-3 guard is averaging 14.4 points in five games for the South Bay Lakers, including a standout 30-point performance on the road last Thursday.
“I think where I’ve seen the most progress is on the ball—decision-making as a scorer and a playmaker,” Redick said of Bronny’s performances in the G League. “We’re seeing flashes of what we’re excited about defensively, too. It’s the total package we’re looking for: smart offense, engaged defense, and a willingness to embrace the process.”
Bronny’s progression has earned him a spot in the upcoming G League Winter Showcase, set to begin on Thursday in Orlando. The event will draw NBA executives from all 30 teams and provide another stage for Bronny to prove himself.
Over a four-day span featuring 31 games, the young guard will have the chance to display the mental toughness, skill development, and adaptability that Redick and the Lakers’ coaching staff are eager to see.
As Bronny continues to evolve, both physically and mentally, the next few weeks and months will be critical. If he can learn to embrace mistakes as stepping stones to success, his trajectory could follow the storied path of so many greats before him—athletes who turned early challenges into fuel for lasting accomplishments.
In the meantime, his coaches, fans, and the entire basketball world will be watching closely to see if he clears the mental hurdle that Redick believes stands between him and genuine NBA stardom.
